What you need to do to get your Missouri license back
To reinstate your Missouri driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the state requires for that reason. The Missouri Department of Revenue handles reinstatement, and the process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DWI conviction, points accumulation, or another violation.
You cannot straightforward renew your license online or at the DMV office — you must clear the suspension reason first. This might mean paying fines, completing a substance abuse program, waiting out a mandatory suspension period, or filing an SR22 form with your insurance company. Only after you have satisfied the state's requirement can you request reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what steps you must take to clear it.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions: unpaid fines need payment, DWI suspensions need program completion, and points suspensions need a waiting period.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue once you have met all other requirements.
- Some suspensions require you to file an SR22 form with your insurance company before the state will reinstate your license.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly. You can call their Driver Services Bureau at 573-526-2407 or visit a local Missouri license office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
The department will tell you the specific reason for suspension — whether it is unpaid traffic fines, a DWI conviction, accumulation of points, failure to pay child support, or another violation. They will also tell you exactly what you must do to clear the suspension and what fees you will owe. Write down this information or ask for it in writing, because the steps vary significantly by reason.
Clearing suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount and payment methods. Many Missouri courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment. Keep this receipt. You will need to show it to the Missouri Department of Revenue when you request reinstatement, or the department may contact the court directly to verify payment before processing your request.
Clearing suspension for DWI or substance-related violations
A DWI conviction in Missouri triggers a mandatory suspension period that cannot be shortened. The length depends on whether it is your first offense and the specific charge. During this time, you cannot drive at all, even with a restricted license.
Before your suspension period ends, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and any treatment or education program the assessment recommends. The Missouri Department of Revenue will direct you to an approved provider. You must also file an SR22 form with your insurance company — this is a certificate proving you carry the minimum required liability coverage. Without the SR22 on file with the state, your license will not be reinstated even after the suspension period ends and you have completed treatment.
Clearing suspension for point accumulation
Missouri suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points within a set time period. The point threshold depends on your age and driving history. If this is your reason for suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period — typically 30 days for a first suspension, longer for repeat suspensions.
During the waiting period, you cannot drive. Once the period ends, you can request reinstatement by paying the reinstatement fee. The Missouri Department of Revenue will tell you the exact date your waiting period ends when you call to ask about your suspension.
Filing an SR22 if required
An SR22 is a form your insurance company files with the Missouri Department of Revenue to prove you carry liability coverage. It is required after a DWI suspension, some reckless driving convictions, and certain other violations. You cannot file it yourself — only your insurance company can.
Contact your current insurance company and tell them you need an SR22 filed. If you do not have insurance, you must purchase a policy first, then ask that company to file the SR22. The form is usually filed within one business day at no extra cost, though some companies charge a small fee. Ask your insurer for written confirmation that the SR22 has been filed with Missouri, and keep that confirmation until the state tells you it is no longer required.
Paying the reinstatement fee and submitting your request
Once you have completed all other requirements — paid fines, finished any required program, waited out suspension periods, and filed an SR22 if needed — you must pay the Missouri Department of Revenue's reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies by suspension reason and is set by state law. The department will tell you the exact amount when you call.
You can pay the fee and request reinstatement by mail, phone, or in person at a Missouri license office. If you pay by mail, send payment to the address the department provides and include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for your request. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If you pay in person or by phone, reinstatement is usually faster — sometimes the same day if all requirements are met.
What happens after you request reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the Missouri Department of Revenue will verify that you have met all requirements. This includes checking that fines are paid, programs are completed, waiting periods have ended, and any required SR22 is on file. If everything is in order, the department will reinstate your license.
You will receive a new physical license in the mail within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you can ask the department for a temporary driving permit or receipt showing your reinstatement has been approved, which you can carry while driving. If the department finds that you have not met all requirements, they will contact you to explain what is still needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my reinstatement to be processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Missouri Department of Revenue officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. If you need to drive before reinstatement is complete, ask the department whether a temporary permit is available for your situation.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many Missouri courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have set up a plan and made your first payment, ask the court whether they will notify the Department of Revenue that you are in compliance, which may allow reinstatement to proceed while you finish paying.
Do I need a new physical license after reinstatement, or can I use my old one?
You will receive a new physical license in the mail after reinstatement. Your old license is no longer valid. Do not attempt to use it for driving or identification purposes. The new license will have an updated expiration date.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit your request in person or by phone and all requirements are met, reinstatement can be approved the same day. By mail, it typically takes two to three weeks. The physical license arrives one to two weeks after approval. The total time depends on how quickly you complete all requirements before requesting reinstatement.
What if my suspension was for failure to pay child support?
Contact the Missouri Family Support Division to find out the amount owed and set up a payment plan if needed. Once you have made arrangements or paid in full, the division will notify the Department of Revenue. You can then request reinstatement by paying the reinstatement fee.